St. Kateri

A beautiful, young Saint who experienced sickness, family conflicts, rumors, and even the slander of her name trials that remain so prevalent in our world today. “Her faith and fervor for Jesus were evident, as she died shortly before her 24th birthday, with her final words being, “Jesos Konoronkwa” (“Jesus, I love you”).”

Her motto throughout life, according to her “biographer, Father Claude Chauchetière, S.J., was: “Who will teach me the best things about God so I may follow them?”

It is this motto that highlights my personal reflection. It speaks to a desire for knowledge. A knowledge that transforms the heart and guides one’s actions. She knew she did not possess all the answers. She remained a disciple, a seeker, someone willing to be taught. In a culture that prizes self-sufficiency and certainty, Kateri reminds us that holiness begins with the courage to admit that we still have much to learn from God. Is this not seeking wisdom? 

It is the longing to deepen one’s understanding of God and continually seek the Truth that leads us deeper into His Heart. In a world filled with distractions, competing voices, and uncertainty, we each have a choice to pursue God; to pursue the Good, True and Beautiful, even as we may be challenged daily. The motto of St. Kateri asks will I earnestly seek what will draw me closer to God? Or will I choose the familiarity of Netflix, and the comfort of social media?  

It’s the choice to remain humble, curious and have a willingness to be changed by what we learn. Like Kateri, truth demanded a response.  What response will we have? 

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Alexis Abello lives in a small town, where she reflects on her love of the elderly in her work or the beautiful mysteries of Jesus around her. She kindly asks for prayers to always seek God.